Abstract
Ecological connectivity is a fundamental component in the protection of biodiversity, yet it remains insufficiently integrated into spatial planning systems across the Alpine region. The existing protected areas are established to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem functions but, to be truly effective, they need to be linked through ecological networks. As long as it is not implemented, harmonized and managed by Alpine countries, this structure of ecological connectivity is currently threatened by the effects of human presence, anthropogenic infrastructures, and climate change. Spatial planning plays the crucial role in managing territorial development and balancing land-use interests coming from different sectors. One of its key tasks is to counteract unbalanced soil consumption and landscape fragmentation, especially outside protected areas, which is directly linked to ecological connectivity. As ecological networks are intrinsic to natural areas, planning for ecological connectivity does not stop at administrative boundaries. Therefore, it is necessary for Alpine countries to follow a coordinated approach with a shared vision, objectives and priorities for the establishment of a coherent ecological network.
This strategy is aimed primarily at stakeholders all over the Alps, operating at higher administrative levels, the regional, national and transnational levels. It addresses decision makers, technicians, and informs non-governmental organisations on options for improving the Alpine ecological network by spatial planning procedures. As ecological connectivity is a cross-sectoral topic, stakeholders from nature conservation, wildlife management, spatial planning, territorial development, and infrastructure development, especially transport infrastructure, as well as the agricultural sector are addressed.
Following the description of the institutions and organisations involved in the elaboration of this document (section 2), the spatial planning strategy provides an overview of the conceptual framework of ecological connectivity (section 3) and legislative aspects regarding ecological connectivity at European and regional level (section 4). It gives recommendation for harmonizing landscape elements worth protecting (section 5) and describes the current situation of ecological connectivity in the Alps (section 6). After these descriptions of the status quo, the strategy provides both, a common vision, mission and objectives for strategic planning, as well as a spatial scenario of priority connectivity areas in the Alps (sections 7 and 8). The scenario contains existing corridors to protect and potential corridors to develop and is interlinked with a tool to visualize and download geographic data, which can be a starting point for harmonizing corridors among national boundaries and for setting priorities. The vision and objectives are separated into the main spatial and landscape planning fields for developing ecological networks and conclude with country-specific recommendations (section 9).